Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez insisted that he needed a squad capable of surviving a gruelling 46-game Championship campaign plus the two cup competitions - and that is something he now most certainly has.

The Spaniard may have shipped out 19 faces either permanently or on loan over the summer, but 12 new arrivals have bolstered the Magpies squad.

No longer will an injury crisis at left-back or goalkeeper have such a huge impact at St James’ Park as it did - on more than one occasion, it must be noted - last season.

Instead, Benitez has at least two options for every position - and, in truth, far more than that.

Here, NUFC Writer Chris Waugh takes a look at the options available in every position and then picks his starting XI (in Benitez’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation) should the entire squad be fit:

GOALKEEPER

Options: Matz Sels, Karl Darlow, Rob Elliot, Freddie Woodman

With Tim Krul on loan at Ajax for the season, Benitez has just the four goalkeepers to choose from...

United have strength throughout their squad but, if anything, it is in goal where the Magpies really do have an embarrassment of riches.

Sels started the season in shaky fashion but has improved game by game and has recorded back-to-back clean sheets, while Darlow has been waiting impatiently in the wings for his opportunity - and he impressed in the EFL Cup, albeit with little to do against League Two Cheltenham Town.

Woodman, meanwhile, received his first call-up to the England Under-21 squad earlier this week and recently signed a new deal - he could well head out on loan for the second half of the season.

By then, Elliot - who is also understood to have penned a new contract - will hopefully have made a complete recovery from his knee injury and will hope to usurp Sels for the goalkeeping jersey.

RIGHT-BACK

In theory, United only have two ‘out-and-out’ right-backs in their squad - but Benitez has at least five players who can play there.

For a start Anita is someone who has regularly filled in their under Benitez, and the Dutchman is one of the Newcastle boss’ favourite players.

Yedlin, recently signed from Tottenham Hotspur, is the best attacking option at right-back - though question marks remain over his defensive capabilities - while Gamez offers experience and a more-rounded game.

What’s more, Mbemba and Hayden have also played at right-back before, so both could be used there should an injury crisis arise.

LEFT-BACK

Let’s be honest, Aarons is not someone Benitez is ever likely to field at left-back - but the fact the winger has been an emergency option there means he gets a mention.

As far as orthodox left-backs go, Dummett’s solid and steady performances mean he currently occupies the shirt, but new Moroccan signing Lazaar is a more attacking option, and Haidara is also approaching full fitness once more.

What’s more, Clark and Anita have also occupied the position during Benitez’s reign - with the former adding additional height and power to the back four - while Mbemba and Lascelles can cover in there too.

CENTRAL-MIDFIELD

Another position which is highly competitive - aren’t they all? - and, given that Benitez’s preferred formation is 4-2-3-1, there are in theory two slots up for grabs here.

Hayden is versatile but is seen very much by Benitez as a holding midfielder first and foremost; his calmness and efficiency on the ball set him apart from his teammates.

Shelvey is a more-offensive option given his distribution skills, while Colback provides industry.

One of Benitez’s favourite players, Anita, is nominally a holding-midfield - though he has rarely played there under Benitez - while Diame can operate in a deeper role.

Clark and Gouffran have also featured their before.

What’s more, Tiote’s inability to secure a move away from Tyneside means he remains an intriguing option in the middle of the park, though politically the Ivorian may have damaged his chances in recent months.

WING

Just a few short weeks ago, Newcastle appeared low on options out wide - but now they have plenty of players to choose from to play there.

Ritchie is arguably the first name on the teamsheet given his guile and creativity and he can play on either side, while Atsu’s arrival has brought additional pace out wide.

Aarons may currently be injured but he too is an out-and-out winger, while Gouffran has impressed there in recent weeks and earned himself a United stay.

Though Diame is more suited to a central role, he can play out wide - as can Perez, who has regularly featured on the left.

Yedlin and Lazaar can also occupy more-advanced roles - something Anita has done under Benitez too.

Interestingly, Murphy has played out wide left in the past and he offers Benitez’s a powerful presence on the wing if the Spaniard does not want to shift from his preferred 4-2-3-1 system but believes his side need greater bulk.

Chris’ choices if everyone is fit: Ritchie and Atsu

ATTACKING-MIDFIELD

Mo Diame, Ayoze Perez, Dwight Gayle, Yoan Gouffran

The powerful and purposeful running of Diame offers United an option which the rest of the squad simply do not, particularly when the Senegal midfielder plays just behind the striker.

Perez, though, likes to see himself in a No 10 role so that he can get involved more, while Gouffran and Gayle could also operate in that slightly more withdrawn position.